WASHINGTON – A new Department of Veterans Affairs ruling will soon relieve Vietnam veterans suffering from three specific illnesses from the burden of proving their ailments are linked to Agent Orange exposure to receive VA health care and disability payments.

Shinseki made the decision based on a recent report by the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine. The report cited new scientific studies pointing to a strong connection between the illnesses and Agent Orange exposure.

WASHINGTON – Female soldiers and others serving in dangerous roles behind the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan have long complained it was hard to prove their combat experience when applying for disability for post-traumatic stress disorder.

That could soon change.

The Veterans Affairs Department has proposed reducing the paperwork required for veterans to show their experience caused combat-related stress. Even just the fear of hostile action would be sufficient, as long as a VA psychologist or psychiatrist agreed.

The VA says the change would streamline claims and recognize the “inherently stressful nature” of war service. The agency is accepting comment until Oct. 23.

Closer to home, starting Dec. 18, Harris County Toll Road Authority will offer a discount to disabled veterans and recipients of the Purple Heart or Congressional Medal of Honor. The measure was approved Sept. 29 by Harris County Commissioners Court.

From the Toll Road advisory:

The Toll Road Authority developed the program pursuant to the recently enacted state law which allows tolling agencies to grant discounted tolls to specified veterans. The full text of House Bill (H.B.) 3139 can be read at www.house.state.tx.us under the section entitled Bills.